MUMBAI, INDIA: Packaging and Speciality Plastics, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), has developed an innovative formulation of polyethylene (PE) resins to create a new sustainable all PE laminate solution with flexible packaging applications.

Current flexible packaging solutions contain multiple layers of different polymers and additives that are incompatible during the recycling process, requiring complex processes break down. Dow’s revolutionary mono-material all PE laminate packaging solution brings to the table a solution that does not compromise on - aesthetics, brand perception and performance while the postconsumer packaging will remain 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifecycle.

In India, brand owners and consumers have become increasingly dependent on flexible plastic packaging for its superior qualities such as convenience, being lightweight, affordability and barrier properties. However, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 – guidelines issued by the Ministry of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India – called for large-scale implementation of proper plastic disposal practices and phasing out non-recyclable, multi-polymer packaging. Dow’s all PE laminate solution enters the market at an opportune time as brand owners look for environmentally friendly alternatives.

“Dow encourages the responsible production, disposal and recycling of plastic and our all new all PE laminate solution looks at addressing the - flexible plastic waste management in India by allowing for full recyclability,” said Bambang Candra, Asia Pacific commercial vice president for Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics.

“We are excited by the new product and will be working closely with local brand owners to implement our new solution to help them meet regulations around the reduction of usage of multi-polymer plastics to save the environment,” added Candra.